May 20, 2015
John 1:12, 13
(All scripture is from the New King James Version unless otherwise indicated.)
I am beginning a series on Who Am I? – using myself as the example of the many titles we carry that can be an answer to that question – Who Am I? You will probably have some other answers because we are called to different vocations, avocations and ministries. But my answers will apply to you in many areas.
• First of all, I am a child of God. John 1:12 and 13 says so:
…as many as received Him [Jesus Christ], to them He gave the right to be-
come children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born,
not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
I have been born again by the Holy Spirit entering my heart and life and giving life to my dead spirit, reconnecting me to God.
This means I have certain privileges, a few of which I list below:
I have eternal life – And I possess it right now! For Jesus said in John 5:24, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (See also Colossians 1:12-14; I John 5:11-13).
I am never alone! “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you…..I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ ” (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20).
I can call upon my “Daddy” anytime, day or night, for the smallest request, and He welcomes me into His presence and gives me His undivided attention! How can I call the Lord God Almighty “Daddy”? Jesus set the example in Mark 14:36 as He prayed in the garden: “And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’ ” “Abba” is roughly the Aramaic equivalent of “Daddy.” Paul wrote in Romans 8:15: “…you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ ” And like a caring and attentive human daddy, God welcomes our ‘intrusions’, even when our needs are like those of an immature toddler. He especially delights when we come to Him just to climb up in His lap, put our arms around His neck, give Him a kiss on the cheek, and tell Him, “I love you Daddy.” Is it any wonder that we are encouraged in Hebrews 4:16 to “…come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need…”?
I can depend of my Father’s provision for all my needs. It is written in Philippians 4:19: “…my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” His resources are limitless (see Psalm 50:10-12). God will not necessarily supply our wants, but He will supply our needs!
I am protected by God, for “…for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11). Yes, guardian angels are a Biblical truth upon which we can depend.
I can also expect the best from God, even if from my perspective it does not seem to me like the best at that time. But remember, God has given us Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” But what is His purpose? Romans 8:29 tells us: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” So God’s purpose it to make us more and more like Jesus Christ (see also II Corinthians 3:18). And the things He has to allow in our lives to accomplish this great and noble task sometimes hurt! They may not seem good to us at the time. But remember, “…all things work together for good…” – and it is His concept of what is good, not ours!
God has provided peace for me, even in the toughest of situations. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7: “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (See also Isaiah 26:3, 4; Galatians 5:22, 23). Now such supernatural peace is not automatic. The verse preceding what is quoted above, Philippians 4:6 tells us our part: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God….” So too in the suggested Isaiah passage – we are to stay our minds on God! But if we do our part, God will do His! One more thing about God’s supernatural peace: to have His peace in any situation – no matter how difficult that situation (trial, testing, temptation) may be – is actually more important than having that hard thing removed from our lives!
There are many more privileges and benefits that come with being God’s son or daughter through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross on our behalf. May these few mentioned whet your appetite to delve more deeply into His Word and discover all the blessings God has for His children!